New England Patriots’ head coach, Jerod Mayo, is keeping his cards close to his chest regarding the team’s starting quarterback. However, on Wednesday, he expressed full confidence in rookie Drake Maye’s ability to lead the team.
“I’m 100% sure he’s ready to take charge of the huddle,” Jerod Mayo shared with reporters in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
While veteran Jacoby Brissett is currently the top quarterback on the depth chart, Mayo is taking his time to make the final decision. The Patriots will face the Washington Commanders in their preseason finale on Sunday night, after which Jerod Mayo plans to decide who will start the season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on September 8.
“We should know by Monday night who our quarterback will be,” Jerod Mayo said. “Sunday night games make it tough to dive into the film, especially on the road. But by Monday or Tuesday, we’ll likely have our decision. That doesn’t mean I’ll be announcing it right away, though.”
Brissett, 31, brings experience to the table with nine NFL seasons under his belt, including a previous stint with the Patriots. He has also played for the Colts, Dolphins, Browns, and Commanders. With 79 games and 48 starts to his name, Brissett has completed 61.3% of his passes, totaling 10,574 yards, 51 touchdowns, and 23 interceptions.
On the other hand, Drake Maye, who turns 22 next week, was the Patriots’ third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The former North Carolina star started for two seasons, showcasing the potential that has caught Mayo’s eye.
As anticipation builds for the season opener, all eyes are on the Patriots’ quarterback decision, with Maye looking ready to step up if given the nod.